Sleep apnea is a disorder that interrupts breathing during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night. This interruption in breathing causes your body to wake up just enough to take a breath, interrupting your natural sleep cycle and leaving you tired in the morning. Sleep apnea is a severe condition that can lead to other health problems if left untreated. It is associated with various health risks, including heart disease and high blood pressure. At The Dental Design Studios, treatment options, including lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, or surgery, aim to alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality for individuals with sleep apnea in Houston, TX.
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. Our dentist in Houston, TX, will create a custom-fit mouthpiece for you to wear at night. This device will keep your jaw forward to keep your airway open and prevent it from collapsing while you sleep.
For patients with more severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be recommended. The machine delivers a steady stream of air pressure through a mask you wear over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The pressure keeps your airway open and helps you breathe normally through the night.
In more severe cases or when other treatments have proven ineffective, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include removing excess tissue from the throat, as well as procedures like Genioglossus Advancement and Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), which reposition the jaw or tongue to enlarge the airway. Inspire Therapy, a surgically implanted device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, is another surgical option for some patients.
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Making small adjustments to your daily routine can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms in Houston, TX. Start by maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, worsening the condition.
Avoid alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime as they relax the muscles in the throat, potentially obstructing airflow. Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day; this helps regulate your body's internal clock.
Sleep on your side instead of your back to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Elevating your head while sleeping can also help reduce snoring and improve breathing patterns during sleep.
Consider quitting smoking if you're a smoker, as tobacco use irritates the upper airway, leading to inflammation and swelling that may worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Implementing these lifestyle changes alongside medical treatment can greatly enhance your quality of life.
For more information, visit our office, The Dental Design Studios, at 8391 Westview Drive, Houston, TX 77055, or call (713) 468-5800.
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SAT - SUN Closed
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